Community Garden Support delivered a contract for Ards & North Down Council in 2025 to support and mentor a student placement and develop opportunities for the council to achieve the Benchmark Standard for Community Growing provision and contribute to the Council's Community Growing Strategy.  

Part of this work included a networking day for community growers across Ards & North Down in Helen’s Bay Community Garden. This was a welcome opportunity for the local network to meet, and enthusiasm was expressed by all for keeping the network going and continuing to meet and support each other. You can find out more about joining the A&ND network on the local area page.